A Home-Based Individual Cognitive Stimulation Program for Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Cognitive impairment significantly impacts individuals and their caregivers.
• Non-pharmacological interventions are crucial for managing cognitive decline and frailty.
• Home-based programs delivered by caregivers offer a scalable approach to support persons with cognitive impairment (PwCIs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and meaningfulness of a home-based individual cognitive stimulation (iCS) program delivered by caregivers to PwCIs.
• To evaluate the program's impact on cognitive, neuropsychiatric, and depressive symptoms, and quality of life in PwCIs.
• To examine the program's effects on caregivers' mental and physical health.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving PwCI-caregiver dyads.
• Intervention group received the MD3-P iCS program (3x/week for 12 weeks); control group received usual care.
• Feasibility assessed via attrition, adherence, and satisfaction; outcomes measured at baseline and week 13.

Main Results:

• Attrition rate was 23.1%.
• Significant improvements observed in PwCIs' cognition, specifically orientation and ability to follow commands.
• No significant impact on caregivers' mental or physical health, or other PwCI outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Caregiver-delivered iCS (MD3-P) shows promise for improving cognitive function in PwCIs.
• The program is feasible and perceived as meaningful by participants.
• iCS represents a valid non-pharmacological strategy for reducing frailty in community-dwelling PwCIs.